REVIEW: OH NO IT ISN’T by Luke Adamson at Jack Studio Theatre 12 Dec 2023 – 6 Jan 2024

'Authentic and Touching' ★★★★

And so, to end the year, to the London Pub Theatre of the year - the Jack Studio at Brockley. It's been quite a year for my local pub theatre and all power to Karl Swinyard and Kate Bannister for backing another delight of a show in OH NO IT ISN’T!

In Luke Adamson's love letter to regional theatre and pantos, two dames, played by Matthew Parker (Mr Chancery) and Bryan Pilkington (Mr Worth), seamlessly show us behind and in front of the curtain as they perform the same tired jokes and dance routines to a (mostly) enraptured festive audience. The pair have performed together for many years but, just maybe, could this be the last time around the block?

Performing such classics such as I'm Too Sexy, the pair hurtle around the tiny Jack Studio stage, breaking the 4th wall and engaging in lively banter. Back stage, their relationship is quietly (and then more overtly) tense with reference to an 'incident' during Babes In The Wood that has left Mr Worth bruised and hurt. We know that this is heading nowhere good but the journey to get there is wholly engaging and charming, with a denouement based in the 'state of Denmark' that feels authentic and touching.

In reality there is little new here - a classic two hander where dark secrets are revealed, and the comedy is tinged with high pathos. The fact that it works so well is down to multiple ingredients which come together to make a play 'just work'. Adamson's script could perhaps be funnier but the pacing is spot on and the actors are both allowed their individual moments in the sun whilst also working together really well. It is clear that Adamson has 'lived this life' - both the actor who happily goes from job to job contrasting with one who thinks the game is up. His experience and understanding brings the play to life and fundamentally gives it life. Colour is added by Karl Swinyards' vibrant set design and Kate Bannister's smart staging allows the actors to switch seamlessly from performing on stage to chatting backstage waiting to get back on for the next number.

The play has been wonderfully cast. As the more assured and confident Mr Chancery, Matthew Parker combines flippancy with moments of brutal humour and, as a terrifically physical actor, his expression and movement gives his character depth and realism. Whilst Mr Chancery casually reads Twelfth Night ahead of a Shakespeare job, Bryan Pilkington's Mr Worth dreams of playing Hamlet and, in a less showy role, it's his narrative arc that hooks us in giving the final scene real poignancy. I liked the fact that the dark shadows were teased out slowly but, and this is a compliment rather than a criticism, I could have done with seeing more - there's a really good 2 hour show in here somewhere.

So, is OH NO IT ISN’T! is, in reality, OH YES IT IS! - another winner for the London Pub Theatre of the year. Merry Christmas.

Production photographs: Davor @ The Ocular Creative

OH NO IT ISN’T! by Luke Adamson

directed by Kate Bannister

presented by The Jack Studio Theatre

Book Tickets https://brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/oh-no-it-isnt/

Tuesday 12 December 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024 at 7.30 pm

Reviewed by Paul Maidment